123-year-old Australian tree uprooted in TN park

A 123-year-old tree in the famous Sims Park at nearby Coonoor was uprooted following heavy winds and rains today.
The 150-feet tall tree - whose biological name is Rhopalia Crelata Myrtaceae - was brought from Australia and planted by the Britishers in 1890 and was one of the 160 saplings planted from as many countries during different period in the Park.
A few branches of the tree had fallen during the last seasonal rain but the tree was being maintained properly by Park authorities.
However, the continuous winds and rains in the past few days took a toll on this tree which was found uprooted by Park workers this morning, horticulture department sources said.

There could have been casualties had the tree fallen during the day time when the park is thronged by tourists in large numbers, they said.